News

There were more that just the 'bear' necessities at a very special charity teddy bears' picnic.

The party in the park was to mark the start of Gatley Rotary Club's rotate-a-ted project.

Cuddly bears that have been outgrown by their owners are being given a new lease of life and new homes to raise money for Seashell Trust.

Mel Edge, the secretary of Gatley Rotary Club said: “The Rotary Club of Gatley is looking for teddy bears and other cuddly toys to be donated, even if they need repairing. It is great fun collecting teddies and friends from UK and various parts of the world; it is remarkable how generous people can be for such a fundraising project. We are hoping to raise £1,000 this year for Seashell Trust.”

Talking Tots, an early communication skills class for toddlers in Stockport and South Manchester, has already collected over 100 bears for the scheme.

They handed over the bears at the picnic at the Holt Pavilion, Didsbury Park, Manchester.

Talking Tots' Sian Davies said: “I set a challenge for the children in my classes to bring in any unwanted bears and promised if we collected more than 100, I would hold a teddy bears' picnic as a reward. We are delighted to support Seashell Trust as the importance of communication is the ethos of Talking Tots.”

Wendy Bray, from Seashell Trust, said: “We are delighted that the Rotary Club of Gatley have chosen to support Seashell Trust this year as our relationship goes back many years. The Teddy Bears' Picnic was a fabulous event and a great way to be able to say thank you to the very selfless tots who have given up their beloved bears to help our charity.”

To donate teddies or soft toys contact Mel Edge on 0161 485 5486 or secretarygrc@brohn.co.uk for them to be collected.

The Rotary Club of Gatley & District meets at Cheadle Golf Club on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome.